We enter an historic hotel where afternoon tea has been served everyday since the 1880s to receive a crash course in etiquette, deportment and manners.

There’s an old saying that ‘manners maketh the man’ and RN First Bite’s Michael Mackenzie was certainly taken to task over some of his behaviour when he took High Tea at the historic Windsor Hotel with his ‘dates’ Miss Chrissie and Miss Rachel.

Miss Chrissie has run a ‘charm school’ for girls aged 20-60 teaching deportment and etiquette for the last six years, and she combines that with the finer points of taking high tea in a special series of workshops in Melbourne.

Here’s a list of tips to share among your peers when eating and talking with that special someone:

Do respond to an invitation promptly and advise of any special dietary requirementsDo be suitably and smartly attired Do take a small, thoughtful gift if dining at someone’s house Do switch all phones off before you arrive Do be punctual — up to 10 mins late is acceptable Do look into the eyes of your dining companions and engage enthusiastically in polite conversation Do try something different and allow your palette to be adventurous Do take care whilst eating and drinking to avoid embarrassing spillage Do find something complimentary to say Do remember your all important thank you note Do not arrive starving — have a glass of water if necessary, the growling of a hungry tummy is not appropriate background music Do not slump or swagger and remember good posture is an aid to self confidence Do not extend your little finger when holding a cup Do not slurp or eat noisily Do not gesture with your cutlery nor clink it against your crockery or teeth Do not gobble your food, but savour it and remember the time and effort that has gone into its preparation Do not eat with your mouth open nor talk with your mouth full Do not stretch across the table, pick your teeth or lick your fingers Do not place elbows on the table — remember all joints on the table will be carved! Do not monopolise the conversation nor sit in silence, but try to contribute in equal measure

You too can experience our Afternoon Tea with A sip of Manners coming up very soon at Queenies Tea House in Brisbane:

- Style Never Goes out of Fashion....
Every girl deserves to look and feel confident and glamorous, regardless of age, shape or dress size. Yet in this modern era of poorly tailored, throw-away fashion and fickle hair and make-up trends, women are finding it harder than ever to hit upon a look … Read More...